Paris Delices City Guide

While hotels are constantly refashioned in order to attract the millions of tourists who flock to Paris each year, rental agencies, eager to expand their range of services, have begun to propose an attractive selection of exceptional apartments for vacation rental. And the “chambre d’hôtes” or bed and breakfast, an option which seemed to exist only in rural France, is slowly gaining popularity among amiable Parisians.

It can be difficult choosing the perfect accommodation as there are many factors which tend to affect our final choice - budget, length of stay, comfort, amenities and number of persons in party.

Before choosing the location, carefully assess your travel style – original, comfort, conventional, or independent – then assess your options. Here is what you should consider before you book:

Unique location
Lively neighborhoods, unforgettable views, nearby attractions, restaurants, the location will never disappoint.

Premium services and amenities
Whether you choose to reserve a luxury apartment, boutique hotel, or hosted bed and breakfast each accommodation provides services and amenities that are of 5-star quality.

Superb hosting
Informative, delightful, accommodating, the host and/or staff are exemplary.

Distinctive buildings
Demure or contemporary, boutique or palace, each accommodation proposes an unmatchable character.

The Luxury Vacation Apartment
You have arrived at you new adobe, the driver disposes your last piece of luggage and quickly drives off down the narrow street. You confirm the building’s number, push the intercom button and wait for “Martin” to respond. There is a short exchange, and then a buzz which signals that the door has been unlocked. Your apartment is on the fourth floor, door to the left. A lady, sorting through her mail, politely says “Bonjour, Madame, Monsieur,” and that is when you notice the elevator, which is barely large enough for you, your companion, and your luggage. When you ring the bell, Martin invites you in with a warm welcome. The apartment is just as you had imagined, charming, cozy and quintessentially French.

While the number of agencies renting luxury vacation apartments has dramatically increased over the years so has demand for the standard of luxury. The apartments, often located in sophisticated neighborhoods, are fully renovated and beautifully furnished with European antiques. Many are equipped with modern amenities - high speed Internet access, clothes dryers, and fully-equipped kitchens - and several agencies will provide a large array of concierge and housekeeping services, for an additional fee.

Is a luxury apartment for you?
Hotels have staffs which provide their clientele with a large array of services; a luxury apartment is a bit like renting a small piece of home. You will have to perform such daily chores as tidying the apartment, washing dishes, doing the laundry, and taking the garbage to the bin downstairs.

What amenities do I require?
Before reserving your accommodation make a list of what material pleasures you may require – cable television, Internet access, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, multi-zone DVD players, voice-mail, bathtub, and/or a fully equipped kitchen.
Unlike luxury hotels, many Parisian apartments have no air-conditioning. Ask the agency if they provide fans.

Housekeeping
When renting an apartment, daily housekeeping duties will not be provided. If you would like housekeeping to be performed during your stay, you may request this service from the agency. The charge for this service is pre-established and the client is usually billed by the hour.
Bed and bath linens are usually provided free of charge. If you would like extra linens they may be supplied, by the agency, at an additional cost.

Rental price
The cost of an apartment rental has little to do with the maximum occupancy and more to do with quality of services, décor and location. High priced agencies organize airport transfers, stock your refrigerator, reserve a table at a restaurant, offer babysitting services, and have a 24 hour on-call concierge.
Verify with the agency if the rental price is all inclusive. Does the rental price include heating, utilities, local phone calls, linen, and final cleaning?

Am I staying in Paris for a week?
Many apartments have a one-week minimum, especially during the high season. Check for availability on the agency’s website or request it by email.

Cancellation Policies
Carefully read the agency’s cancellation policy before booking your apartment. The policy is often published on their site or provided upon request. It is important to understand the agency’s formalities in case of cancellation and we strongly recommend you buy travel insurance at the time of booking to compensate you in the event that you must cancel. When you book, ask the agency for an optional travel insurance form.

Arrival and Departure
Always confirm the arrival and departure times with the agency. As you may arrive in Paris several hours before the arrange check-in time ask the agency if you may drop-off your luggage at the apartment.

When renting an apartment, you are truly living with the locals. Within a few days you will begin to exchange smiles and common courtesies. And soon, your little corner of Parisian Paradise with its small streets, the market, the newspaper stand and grocers will seem more like a home away from home.

If you are looking to rent Paris Delices recommends:

Your Haven in Paris
www.haveninparis.com

Paris Perfect
www.parisperfect.com

Chez Vous
www.chezvous.com

Paris Delices provides discerned travelers a unique accommodation consulting service. We can help families with young children find the perfect Paris vacation apartment, a single woman find a room at a centrally located Paris hotel which is in walking distance of several neighborhood bistrots and boutiques or a hospitable Paris bed and breakfast for a couple wishing to experience local hospitality . For more information about our services, please contact us at info@paris-delices.com.